Doodh Ka Karz

"Doodh Ka Karz" is a distinctive Hindi action drama film of the early '90s that amalgamates compelling storytelling with engrossing performances. Release in 1990, the movie was directed by Ashok Gaekwad and featured a talented ensemble cast comprising Jackie Shroff, Neelam Kothari, and Prem Chopra, among others. The film is a poignant account of revenge, justice, and kinship, told in the backdrop of the rustic milieu of rural India.

In the heart of the narrative is Suraj (Jackie Shroff), the film’s valiant and relentless protagonist. Unraveling a nonlinear plot, the film kicks off with Suraj's mother, who rescues a Good Samaritan who had saved thousands of snakes from certain death. As an expression of gratitude, the mother snake provides her with a 'Mani', a sacred gem with supernatural powers, to protect herself and her unborn child. She pledges on behalf of her son to return this 'Mani' in 25 years.

However, her life turns tragic in the hands of the evil Bharat Thakur (Aruna Irani), who kills her and possessing the 'Mani' becomes invulnerable. The narrative leaps forward, positioning Suraj, now all-grown and seeking revenge, burdened with his mother's pledge and burning with vengeance. The film works on two parallel grounds: one, the mission of repossessing the 'Mani' to the snake deity, and two, the pursuit of avenging his mother's untimely death.

Joining Suraj on his odyssey is Neelam Kothari, who essays the role of a naive and lively village belle, captivating with her naive charm. Prem Chopra, a veritable antagonist, delivers a powerful, and unappeasable performance. The face-off between Suraj and Bharat Thakur's numerous henchmen, including Chopra, retains the vintage flavor of classic Bollywood, where the good suffers but remains indomitable.

"Doodh Ka Karz" pulsates with dramatic tension throughout its narrative. The drama is enriched with moments of brotherhood and humanity, where the leads often break into songs and dances, underlining the movie's emotional stakes while balancing the contemporary trend of Bollywood melodrama. The rustic landscape also adds a different layer to the narrative, highlighting the disparity between rural India's tranquil ambience and the characters' turbulent lives.

The film was backed by a captivating musical score by the duo Anu Malik and Sukhwinder Singh, that successfully manages to add a new dimension to the narrative. Their music for the film, particularly songs like "Mere Munne Bhool Na Jana" and "Shuru Ho Rahi Hai Prem Kahani," garnered acclaim, and are remembered even today as popular numbers. The cinema photography is vivid and complements the story's rural backdrop brilliantly.

Jackie Shroff, in the film, undertakes an author-backed role and delivers an enthralling performance. With his rugged looks and dynamic persona, he showcases a wide spectrum of emotions and serves as the driving force in the narrative. Neelam Kothari, too, shines in her part, offering a good counter to Shroff's intense portrayal. The devious character played by Prem Chopra enables a tactile sense of fear and creates a compelling antagonist.

"Doodh Ka Karz" moves away from the straightforward revenge saga as it revolves around a promise given to a non-human entity, incorporating elements of supernatural and mysticism elegantly. The ordinary fusion of realism and fantasy, along with the direction of Gaekwad, leaves a lasting impact.

The intense narrative's emotional depth, the compelling face-offs, the soul-stirring music, and the vibrant rural setup - all contribute to "Doodh Ka Karz" becoming a unique proposition in Indian cinema. Each element has been beautifully intertwined with the other, creating a satisfying viewing experience. For those fond of revenge dramas paired with compelling song numbers, "Doodh Ka Karz" is an exceptional recommendation.